The top 5 luxury lodges for gorilla trekking

Rwanda is an exceptional destination for gorilla trekking, particularly in the Volcanoes National Park.

Known for its well-organized treks and luxurious eco-tourism infrastructure, Rwanda provides a high-end experience that attracts travellers seeking both adventure and comfort. Rwanda has positioned itself as a premium destination with a strong commitment to conservation, ensuring the sustainability of its gorilla trekking operations. While permits in Rwanda are more expensive than neighbouring Uganda, the exclusivity and world-class service often justify the cost for many visitors.

Nestled in the heart of East Africa, the country boasts the stunning Volcanoes National Park, home to more than a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The park’s misty forests, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and biodiversity provide a magical backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visitors are guided by expert trackers who lead small groups through the lush terrain, ensuring an intimate and respectful encounter with these majestic creatures.

Beyond the gorillas, Rwanda’s remarkable safety, political stability, and well-developed tourism infrastructure make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The country’s clean and well-maintained roads, coupled with its proximity to Kigali International Airport, allow for seamless travel to and from Volcanoes National Park.

Additionally, Rwanda offers more than just gorilla trekking; visitors can explore vibrant local culture, learn about the country’s inspiring recovery from its turbulent past, and enjoy other natural wonders, such as Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest.

If you are solely interested in the gorillas, then these are the top places to stay.

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Encircled by towering eucalyptus trees, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest ignites a sense of untamed adventure. This extraordinary retreat, perched on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, invites you to experience profound encounters with majestic mountain gorillas while uncovering the enchanting secrets of Rwanda.

Surrounded by an emerald forest and expansive gardens, the resort is a gateway to some of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders, including the chance to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Guests can embark on guided treks through the nearby Volcanoes National Park, where they will be captivated by the breathtaking scenery and the unique opportunity to observe gorillas up close. Each moment at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is designed to immerse visitors in the beauty and serenity of this magical region.

The hotel is home to just 21 rooms, steeped in nature and styled like treehouses up stilts, and with a design that draws the outside in. Like the wooden decks that look out over the eucalyptus forest around, and the decor in shades of browns with Rwandan imigongo motifs. 

The hotel’s restaurant and bar are places where the chatter is almost wholly gorilla-related after the day’s encounter with the great apes. They are warm and energetic spaces with dishes inspired by the story of Rwanda while elsewhere, a spa draws on traditional African wisdom.

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest supports sustainable tourism and community initiatives, making it a destination that contributes positively to conservation efforts and local livelihoods. It is a haven for adventure, relaxation, and a deeper connection with the wonders of the wild. It’s an idyllic place to stay.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Singita Kwitonda Lodge is a luxurious retreat located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, offering a front-row seat to the majestic beauty of the park’s famed mountain gorillas.

Singita’s first property in Rwanda, Kwitonda Lodge is a fine example of sustainable luxury. Everything about the lodge exerts as light a footprint as possible from the traditional techniques used in construction to the local materials, conservation and community engagement. Surrounded by wetlands and lush meadows, it offers beautiful views of Volcanoes National Park. Eight suites and a four-bedroom villa make up the accommodation, decorated with traditional touches. Guests can get involved with tree planting habitat restoration, expanding the gorilla’s habitat.

Nestled amidst lush landscapes, the lodge is named after Kwitonda, a legendary silverback gorilla known for his gentle nature. The architecture seamlessly blends modern design with traditional Rwandan elements, featuring volcanic stone, woven ceilings, and locally crafted furnishings. Each suite is equipped with private heated plunge pools, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and expansive views of the misty mountains, providing an intimate connection to nature and a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life.

The interiors have been carefully curated with a focus on handcrafted details. By layering texture and colour and introducing detail through artisanal and handmade pieces like woven panels, handmade tiles, and clay feature pots, the space is both reflective and interactive. All elements combine to create a rare and richly textured experience that is true to this extraordinary place.

Sustainability is at the heart of Singita Kwitonda Lodge, designed to minimize environmental impact while supporting conservation efforts in the region. The lodge operates as part of Singita’s broader mission to preserve and protect Africa’s wilderness for future generations. Guests can embark on guided treks to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a transformative experience that supports the park’s conservation programs. Alongside its commitment to the environment, Singita Kwitonda Lodge partners with local communities, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange through its initiatives. This makes it not only a haven of luxury but also a catalyst for meaningful change in one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions.

Bisate Lodge

Bisate Lodge, nestled in the dramatic volcanic landscape of northern Rwanda, offers a luxurious and eco-conscious retreat for travellers seeking an intimate connection with nature. Located near Volcanoes National Park, the lodge is an ideal base for gorilla trekking, one of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences. Its six opulent forest villas, designed with Rwandan cultural motifs, feature private decks overlooking the lush, rolling hills and the iconic Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes.

Each villa combines luxury with sustainability, incorporating locally sourced materials, green technologies, and a design that blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment. The forest villas are like giant birds’ nests tucked into the trees and are simply breath-taking. They are arguably the finest base in Africa from which to trek to see the famous mountain gorillas of the Virungas. 

More than just a luxury destination, Bisate Lodge emphasizes conservation and community engagement. The lodge has an extensive habitat restoration programme and every guest can get involved with tree planting and visits to the Karisoke Research Centre. Established in 1967 by Dian Fossey, this was the location for her famous 18-year study of the mountain gorilla. This is the perfect adventure for a blend of seclusion, astonishment and welcoming group activities.

The lodge is deeply committed to reforestation efforts, having planted thousands of indigenous trees to restore the region’s natural habitat. Moreover, Bisate works closely with local communities, providing employment, sourcing local products, and supporting development projects such as schools and healthcare facilities.

This holistic approach makes a stay at Bisate not only a journey into the heart of Rwanda’s natural beauty but also an opportunity to contribute to its future.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge situated at the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, offering a tranquil retreat for those exploring the region’s iconic mountain gorillas. Nestled at the base of the Virunga Mountains, the lodge is renowned for its breathtaking views of the lush, rolling hills and distant volcanic peaks. Built with sustainability and community involvement in mind, it combines elegant, rustic design with modern comforts, including nine spacious cottages with fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas. The lodge’s proximity to the park makes it an ideal base for gorilla trekking adventures, as well as exploring the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the area.

What sets Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge apart is its strong commitment to community development and conservation. The lodge channels its profits into local initiatives through the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA), empowering nearby villages with health, education, and infrastructure projects.

Developed in partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation and the International Gorilla Conservation Program, the lodge was created to contribute to local development and uplift the lives of vulnerable households, and by doing so, to lessen the economic pressures that were being faced by the park. The ultimate goal is the protection and conservation the mountain gorilla and its precious habitat.

Guests not only enjoy world-class hospitality but also contribute to preserving the fragile ecosystems of the region and supporting sustainable livelihoods for the local population. This harmonious blend of luxury, conservation, and community engagement makes Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge a standout destination for travellers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences in Rwanda.

Virunga Lodge

Virunga Lodge, perched high on a hilltop overlooking the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes and the shimmering twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera, is one of Rwanda’s most luxurious eco-lodges.

Located near Volcanoes National Park, it serves as an ideal base for travellers seeking to experience the magic of mountain gorilla trekking. The lodge is renowned for its breathtaking views, which stretch across the lush, rolling hills and offer a front-row seat to the dramatic landscape of one of Africa’s most iconic regions. Its proximity to the park makes it a prime destination for those looking to connect with nature while indulging in exceptional comfort and hospitality.

This is a beautiful lodge in a stunning location. Located at 2,300 metres on top of a hill overlooking the Virunga volcanoes and the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo, the beauty of the surroundings inspires the ethos of environmental sustainability throughout the lodge. The 10 individual cottages have a naturally luxurious style, scattered around the hotel’s gardens they offer beautiful views of the surroundings. Guests can indulge in a relaxing massage after a day exploring and dine on locally inspired dishes.

Designed with sustainability in mind, Virunga Lodge seamlessly integrates luxury with eco-conscious practices. Its spacious bandas, or cottages, are elegantly decorated with locally sourced materials, reflecting Rwandan culture and craftsmanship. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, from guided walks around the nearby lakes to cultural visits with local communities, gaining insight into the rich traditions of the region. With exceptional dining that features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a spa that provides relaxation after adventurous excursions, Virunga Lodge offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and cultural immersion in the heart of Rwanda’s highlands.